If a company wants to improve its results and be recognized as a good place to work, it needs to engage its employees - which goes far beyond just motivating them. But what does this really mean? And what practices contribute to corporate engagement?

What is corporate engagement?

Corporate engagement reflects the alignment between a company's values and objectives and the mental and emotional well-being of its employees. More than achieving productivity and profit targets, it's about creating an environment where people feel valued, motivated and connected to the company's purpose.

When teams identify with the mission and values, work ceases to be just a daily task and takes on greater meaning. This bond creates a positive cycle of collaboration, where everyone feels motivated to contribute and grow, impacting both the quality of deliveries and the organizational climate.

Corporate engagement vs. motivation

Although both contribute to well-being and productivity in the workplace, motivation and engagement have different concepts:

Motivation is the energy that drives a person to act, but it requires continuous stimuli to remain active. Engagement, on the other hand, is deeper - it involves a genuine connection and relationship with the company and the work.

An engaged professional is able to stay focused and in the mood even when motivation fluctuates, because they are driven by a purpose that goes beyond daily goals.

What can affect engagement at work?

Engagement at work can be influenced by various factors, both internal and external. Some of the main ones are

• Lack of growth opportunities
• Low recognition and appreciation
• Mistrust and little autonomy
• Problems with work-life balance

What are the benefits of corporate engagement?

According to a Gallup survey, engaged employees are 17% more productive and have 41% lower absenteeism rates, but these are not the only benefits of adopting this strategy.

By including engagement practices in the organizational culture, it is possible to achieve:

Continuous improvement in processes and results

Engaged employees are more involved in the company's projects, challenges and innovations.

Talent retention

When professionals feel that they are part of something bigger, they are more likely to stay with the company.

Strengthening the employer brand

Institutions that engage their teams attract new talent and gain prominence as places where people want to be.

Collaborative management

Engagement encourages more open and participative leadership, where everyone feels heard and part of the process, fostering an environment of collaboration.

Reduced stress and anxiety

An environment that values engagement promotes support and security, which helps reduce stress levels and improves the well-being of teams.

Is it possible to measure team engagement?

One of the most effective ways of understanding the level of team engagement is through internal surveys, such as organizational climate and satisfaction surveys. These tools help assess essential aspects such as alignment with the company culture, professional recognition, development opportunities and well-being in the workplace.

A widely recognized example in the market is Great Place to Work (GPTW), which applies a global methodology to measure employee engagement and satisfaction. The GPTW survey analyses important aspects of day-to-day life, such as the organizational climate, people management and leadership practices, certifying the best companies to work for.

In addition, other tools, such as periodic interviews, make it possible to monitor engagement in a continuous and agile way, detecting changes and needs in real time.

Neoenergia is GPTW

Neoenergia is certified by GPTW as one of the best companies to work for in Brazil. With around 16,000 employees across the country, the company met 84% of the criteria required to be awarded the seal.

Neoenergia constantly encourages the development of its teams, as well as promoting well-being in its units. In 2023, it recorded a growth of around 14% in the number of training activities, with an average of around 100 hours per employee.

How do you engage a company's employees?

Employee engagement is built on a daily basis through practices that involve appreciation, development and well-being. These actions include:

5 corporate engagement practices

Rounds of feedback and recognition
Regular feedback contributes to continuous development. As well as pointing out areas for improvement, it is also important to value successes and offer benefits, showing employees that their efforts are recognized.

Encourage internal communication
Maintaining clear and frequent communication helps to align expectations and strengthen trust. When encouraged by leadership, this practice creates an environment where everyone feels heard and engaged.

Provide career and development plans
Offering opportunities for growth, such as training and career plans, reinforces the company's commitment to the development of each employee, showing that their future is also a priority.

Strengthen strategic leadership
Leaders who understand the needs of each employee and promote constant dialog create an environment of support and trust, strengthening team engagement.

Establish an organizational culture
Having a well-defined organizational culture helps employees understand how to act in the workplace. With a clear basis of expectations and values, they have more security and avoid situations of unfair pressure.

Read more:

• Neoenergia is certified as one of the best companies to work for in Brazil
• Opportunities abroad for employees
• Professional growth